Joel 2:7

What does Joel 2:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Joel 2:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Joel 2:7 means

The invading force is depicted as highly disciplined and efficient, moving with the determination and skill of seasoned warriors. They run like mighty soldiers, scale walls with the agility of men of war, and maintain perfect formation, each marching directly on their designated path without deviation. This emphasizes their unstoppable nature and military precision. Their unbroken ranks and unwavering advance signify an irresistible power, making any defense seem futile for the inhabitants of the land.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

They run like mighty men; they climb the wall like men of war; and they march every one on his ways, and they break not their ranks.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

They run like mighty men; they climb the wall like men of war; and they march every one on his ways, and they break not their ranks.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

They are running like strong men, they go over the wall like men of war; every man goes straight on his way, their lines are not broken.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

As mighty ones they run, As men of war they go up a wall, And each in his own ways they do go, And they embarrass not their paths.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

They shall run like valiant men: like men of war they shall scale the wall: the men shall march every one on his way, and they shall not turn aside from their ranks.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

They run like mighty men; they climb the wall like men of war; and they march every one on his ways, and break not their ranks.

Context

Following the description of the people's anguish, this verse returns to detailing the actions of the invading army, emphasizing their organized and disciplined advance. It highlights their military prowess and unwavering progress, reinforcing the idea of an unstoppable force and setting the stage for further descriptions of their relentless penetration into the city.

v.6At their presence the peoples are in anguish; all faces are waxed pale.

v.7This passage

v.8Neither doth one thrust another; they march every one in his path; and they burst through the weapons, and break not off their course.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Samuel 2:18

    And the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.

  • Jeremiah 5:10

    Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her branches; for they are not Jehovah’s.

  • Proverbs 30:27

    The locusts have no king, Yet go they forth all of them by bands;

  • Psalms 19:5

    Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoiceth as a strong man to run his course.

  • 2 Samuel 1:23

    Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, And in their death they were not divided: They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions.

  • Joel 2:9

    They leap upon the city; they run upon the wall; they climb up into the houses; they enter in at the windows like a thief.

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